12 Cities, 12 Experiences: The Staycity Hitlist For 2020

March 10, 2020 11:35am

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Travel is always at the forefront of our minds in Staycity. And as we look ahead to 2020, we’re already planning our getaways for the year. Chances are you are too, and to inspire your New Year travels, we’ve compiled this blog covering the top experiences happening in all 12 Staycity locations across Europe.

From Pride in Berlin to Paddy’s Day in Dublin, there’s something here for everyone. Just be aware that each event attracts huge numbers to each city, so make sure you book your flights, accommodation and any tickets needed nice and early!

Berlin: Pride

July 25th 2020

This is one of the world’s best street parties. Known in Germany as CSD (Christopher Street Parade), it’s been held here since 1979, and involves a spectacular parade, boat parties on the River Spree, dedicated club nights and much more. There’s no party like a Berlin party, and this is especially apparent during Pride.

Birmingham: Crufts

5th-8th March 2020

This is the world’s largest dog show and celebrates man’s best friend in all its four-legged glory. There’s plenty here for the canine enthusiast. Experts offer advice on the likes of training, and hundreds of stands sell all manner of doggie delights too. But all roads lead to the grand finale — Sunday’s crowning of Best in Show. Woof!

Dublin: Saint Patrick’s Festival

13th-17 March 2020

There’s no better place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day than the Irish capital, and this festival spans five days and nights of ‘craic agus ceol’ (fun and music). The 2020 programme promises to be as entertaining as ever, with hundreds of events showcasing the best of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage in venues across the city.

Edinburgh: Fringe

7th– 31st August 2020

When it comes to Edinburgh it’s all about the Fringe, the city’s annual three-week explosion of creativity where thousands of performers take to hundreds of stages across the Scottish capital. With established names and up-and-coming acts performing theatre, comedy, dance, circus, cabaret, opera and more, there’s something to suit every age and interest.

Liverpool: The Aintree Grand National

2nd-4th April 2020

The world’s most famous and prestigious horse race kicks off with a grand opening on Thursday the 2nd, followed by Ladies Day on the 3rd, and Grand National Day on the 4th. A highlight of the international sporting year, the Grand National hosts over 150,000 racegoers, and attracts an estimated 600 million tv viewers globally.

London: Wimbledon

29th June-12th July 2020

Wimbledon is the longest-running tennis tournament in the world, attracting 500,000 spectators (including members of the British royal family, and plenty of Hollywood royalty too) and millions of television viewers worldwide. Showcasing the skills of the world’s greatest tennis players at their very best, this is a huge event, so book your tickets (and accommodation) early!

A post shared by Wimbledon (@wimbledon) on Jul 14, 2019 at 10:32am PDT

Lyon: Fête des Lumières

Four days around 8th December 2020

Attracting up to two million visitors to Lyon, this beautiful four-day spectacle is held annually around the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. With magnificent sound and light shows projected on to the city’s grand public monuments, this feast for the eyes is designed to be best viewed at night.

Manchester: Parklife

13th-14th June 2020

This multi-genre festival is a key date in the thriving music scene that Manchester’s famous for. Originally hosting the world’s best underground DJs, its line-up has since expanded to include the likes of grime, pop and hip hop. This year you can expect performances from major international acts including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Post Malone and Pearl Jam.

A post shared by Parklife (@parklife_festival) on Jun 9, 2018 at 3:21pm PDT

Marseille: Festival de Marseille

19th June-9th July 2020

Now in its 25th year, this three-week extravaganza combines local and international dance, theatre, music, film and art in a way that perfectly reflects the energy, vibrancy and diversity of the Mediterranean gem that is Marseille. This year’s line-up will be announced in Spring and will doubtless be as impressive as always.

Paris: Bastille Day

July 14th 2020

The French capital celebrates this in typically Parisian style, kicking off with an impressive military parade along Avenue des Champs-Élysées, complete with an aircraft flyover, and capped by a spectacular firework display at the Eiffel Tower. In between, we recommend you pack a picnic and base yourself at the unbeatably atmospheric Champs de Mars.

Venice: Biennale Architettura

23rd May-29th November 2020

The ‘Glastonbury of art’ is not to be missed. Each year, the spotlight alternates between art (odd years) and architecture (even years), alongside which are showcases of dance, theatre, cinema and music. This year the focus falls to architecture, and the theme is ‘How will we live together?’

York: JORVIK Viking Festival

15th-23rd February 2020

The largest event of its kind in Europe, this is a city-wide celebration of York’s rich Norse heritage. Events include the likes of living history encampments, markets, workshops, tours, talks, family fun and combat performances, and this year’s theme is ‘Voyages of the Vikings’.

A post shared by Party York (@partyyork) on Apr 24, 2019 at 2:43pm PDT

There’s at least one Staycity or Wilde aparthotel centrally located in each of these cities, so if you’re travelling to any of these events, then stay with us. But please be warned we fill up early in these popular times, so we advise you book now!